Business Details
48 Years
experience
Traditional Building Restoration Experts
Colin Clark Builders has been a trusted name in traditional building for over 40 years. Founded by Colin Clark, whose family has deep roots in the trade, our company specialises in restoring and renovating historic and listed properties. We combine time-honoured techniques with modern innovations to deliver durable, authentic results. Our team of skilled craftsmen, including local experts like Andy Shervington and Dave Ashby, brings decades of collective experience to every project. From timber framing and cob wall construction to eco-friendly extensions, we prioritise sustainable materials and methods.Our consultancy service offers expert advice on structural repairs and preservation, ensuring clients make informed decisions. With a commitment to training apprentices, we preserve traditional skills while embracing new technologies to enhance energy efficiency. Based in East Dorset, we serve clients across the region, delivering bespoke solutions tailored to the unique character of each property. Our reputation for quality and reliability has been built through word-of-mouth referrals and long-standing relationships with local businesses and conservation authorities.
Services
Timber Framing
Cob and Lime
Eco Build
Finishes
Technologies
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in traditional building techniques.
- Our team includes skilled local craftsmen with expertise in historic restoration.
- We use sustainable, locally sourced materials to minimise environmental impact.
- Our consultancy service provides expert advice on structural and preservation needs.
- We train apprentices to preserve traditional building skills for future generations.
Services
Timber Framing
Our skilled carpenters craft traditional timber frames using oak or chestnut. We fabricate green oak roof trusses and complete buildings off-site for on-site assembly. Techniques include pegged and jointed construction without modern fixings, ensuring durability and authenticity. Cosmetic or structural repairs to existing structures use reclaimed or green timbers, preserving historical integrity while meeting modern needs.
Cob and Lime
We specialise in constructing and repairing traditional cob walls using time-tested methods. Our expertise includes lime plasters, renders, and pointing to match existing finishes. We address damp issues caused by modern materials and offer consultancy to guide clients on appropriate repairs, ensuring solutions preserve the building's original fabric and aesthetic.
Eco Build
We design and build eco-friendly extensions and outbuildings, including garden rooms and studios. Utilising permitted development rules, we create spaces that blend with existing structures. Our approach integrates renewable energy systems and natural materials, balancing modern functionality with traditional aesthetics for minimal environmental impact.
Finishes
Our in-house trades and local partners deliver bespoke finishes, from hand-crafted kitchens to solid timber flooring. We offer specialist paint finishes like limewash and marbling, alongside hard flooring solutions such as stone and terracotta. Every detail is tailored to enhance the property's character while meeting contemporary standards of quality and durability.
Technologies
We integrate renewable energy systems like heat pumps and solar panels into historic buildings without compromising their integrity. Our approach extends to eco-friendly insulation and breathable paints, ensuring improved energy efficiency and comfort. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations, we deliver solutions that respect heritage while addressing current sustainability challenges.
Questions
What types of properties do you specialise in?
We focus on older and listed properties, offering restoration, renovation, and extension services using traditional methods and materials.
Do you offer consultancy services?
Yes, we provide expert advice on structural repairs, damp issues, and pre-purchase assessments for historic buildings.
Can you incorporate eco-friendly solutions?
We integrate renewable energy systems and sustainable materials into historic buildings while preserving their character.
Do you work with local craftsmen?
Our team includes skilled local craftsmen, such as Andy Shervington for timber framing and Dave Ashby for stonework.
How do you handle planning permissions?
We advise on permitted development rules and design projects to comply with planning and building regulations.
Do you train apprentices?
We train apprentices in traditional building techniques to preserve heritage skills for future generations.
